Relief as danger Norwich junction set to be made safer after years of campaigning |
Motorists waiting to get onto North Walsham Road from Spixworth have had to wait up to 20 minutes to safely exit the Crostwick Lane junction as fast-moving traffic has made turning unsafe.
Families have campaigned for years to get something done about the junction in order to stop people having a "daily dice with death"
Campaigners have been fighting to get changes to the danger junction at North Walshsm Road and Crostwick Lane (Image: Submitted)
But the wait for action is almost over after Norfolk County Council has awarded funding for the junction as part of its capital programme for highways.
Haley Woor, whose petition in 2021 secured more than 2000 signatures from residents supporting a traffic management scheme to increase its safety, said it was a "relief" to hear improvements were coming.
"The junction is a serious, if not fatal RTC waiting to happen," she said.
"The change in the road layout will benefit everyone, not just vehicles trying to get out, but pedestrians trying to cross to go over to Rackheath Lane, as well as those having to cross and use the bus stop. The safety of all road users is paramount and i look forward to the change."
She added the fact more than 2000 people supported her petition showed "just how important the change is needed, and how many people fear the junction and recognising how dangerous it is".
Campaigners have been fighting to get changes to the danger junction at North Walshsm Road and Crostwick Lane (Image: Submitted)
A feasibility study carried out by the parish council in 2023 found a traffic light junction would provide the "safest facilities" for pedestrians and cyclists.
The allocated funding is part of the council's capital programme for highways for 2027to 28. It has yet to be decided what traffic calming measures will be put in place.
Dan Roper, a district councillor for Spixworth and St Faiths, said he was "delighted" the county council has allocated £1m for a safety scheme at the junction.
Dan Roper (Image: Dan Roper)
"After years of lobbying and meetings Spixworth will finally get traffic lights at the junction," he posted on social media.
"This will be a brilliant result.
"Much can change in the next year but I am determined to see this delivered for the village."
A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: "At the meeting held on March 2, cabinet agreed to allocate £20k for the development of the scheme in the coming year with a £1m budget allocation in the highways capital programme for potential delivery of a junction improvement in 2027/2028 subject to all statutory processes being met.”